Southeast of Cornwall, fourteen miles from Plymouth and six miles from Tamar valley, the small town of Callington is a portrait, painted by nature. The picture perfect Cornish landscapes of Callington seem to come alive directly from the pages of a calendar. The serenity and freshness of Callington is like a compelling hypnotic command that auto-suggests you to let go and relax.
Located right in the heart of the town is St Mary's Church. You will be wowed by the magnificence of this lovely church with its 15th century old world architecture. The ancient structure leads you to the churchyard, preserving the tombs of Ayssheton and Willoughby families.
Adjacent to St Mary's Church is the Old Clink, a two storied building built in 1858. The top floor of the Clink was a parish vestry room for administrative purpose and the ground floor was used to lock up petty criminals. In this Old Clink region, you can find Callington's oldest pubs and restaurants. The soft ambiance of these dimly lit pubs can easily teleport you beyond time and space. Take time to relax with a drink or order something from their 'wow' menu list.
About half a mile from the town centre of Callington, is the 15th century 'Celtic' style Dupath well-house. Built of Cornish granite ashlar, by Augustinian canons in 1510, this well-house bears a striking resemblance to other well-houses and chapels built in Britain and Ireland during that time.
We have all read about exciting fairy tale duel fights to win over a princess, but nothing is more exciting than being witness to a site where a real duel fight took place. The duel, between Sir Colam and Gottlieb to win over a lady, resulted in the death of both the suitors.
Appropriately named Well Street, Fore Street was Callington's primary source of water supply. Water from a pipe well was distributed throughout Callington from this part of the town. Fore street is highlighted by its unique mural project. Artists from far and near paint the walls of Fore Street with mixtures of colourful murals. Vibrant paintings showcase Callington's cultural heritage, landscapes and historical background. Traditional fairs like the honey fair is also hosted on this shopping street of Callington. Every October, on the first Wednesday, honey product competitions are held and honey products are put on sale all day long.
An elaborately decorated granite chimney, dominates the skyline of Kit Hill. Once used for mining, this rugged hilltop was given to the people of Callington by Duke of Cornwall, Prince Charles, to mark the birth of Prince William. Subsequently, it got the status of a country park in 1985. Standing high at 334 metres and spreading over 400 acres, Kit Hill is ideal for a wide range of leisure activities like kite flying, bird watching and picnic's. This highest point in the Tamar valley area is also famous for its diversified flora and fauna.
Callington's history is portrayed with prominence to its west. Set high on hills, the Hillfort of Cadsonbury is the best known prehistoric formation in Britain that dates back to Iron Age. A short woodland trek from Newbridge, and a little climb up the hill along River Lynher will take you to Cadsonbury. The cool breeze and the entrancing view of Cornish farmlands from this hilltop, is bound to rejuvenate your senses.
Making Callington your base makes getting around easy. You should take time to visit Cotehele, located on the banks of river Tamar, south-east of Callington, Cotehele is the home of Edgecumbe family. The forgotten granite castle owned by the Edgecumbes for 600 years has a strong flair of nostalgia. The four storied castle is like four layers of history. If you are in Cotehele, don't forget to explore the Cotehele Garden. Cotehele Garden is a garden for all seasons. With twelve distinct idyllic corners, a wild valley, two orchards and ponds, the garden is a true manifestation of tranquillity.
Perhaps the best time to visit Callington is in the month of June-July. The annual Kit Hill Run is organized in the month of June, followed by a Carnival in the month of July. Festivities fill the air in Callington during this part of the year. Anyone visiting the town during this time will easily understand why Callington won the Britain in Bloom competition.
The fun-loving friendly people invite you to feel the Callington experience. The mesmeric charm of countryside and the rich historic environment of Callington will not only leave you spellbound, it will also give you lasting memories for years to come.